2023 Africa Cup of Nations: Three hits and three flops from Super Eagles 1-0 win against Angola 

In a thrilling quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Angola, the Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory, showcasing an array of standout performances and some moments of disappointment.

 

The match, filled with intensity and strategic maneuvers, provided fans with plenty to discuss as they dissected the contributions of key players.

 

Nigeria's 1-0 quarterfinal win against Angola showcased a mix of stellar performances and underwhelming displays.

 

Ademola Lookman, Troost-Ekong, and Moses Simon stood out as the hits, contributing significantly to the team's success. 

 

On the other hand, Zaidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi, and Alex Iwobi might make the headlines for their below-par performances, sparking debates about the team's lineup and areas for improvement as they progress further in the tournament.

 

Allnigeriasoccer.com looks to briefly analyze these three hits and three flops from the Super Eagles' narrow 1-0 triumph over the Palancas Negras.

 

Hits

 

Ademola Lookman

 

Leading the pack of hits was the dynamic Ademola Lookman, who through his electrifying presence on the field found the back of the net and left an indelible mark.

 

Lookman's swift movements, precise passes, and relentless pursuit of the ball not only energized the Nigerian attack but also created numerous goal-scoring opportunities.

 

His standout performance earned him accolades from fans and pundits alike, solidifying his status as a key player for the Super Eagles.

 

William Troost-Ekong 

 

Troost-Ekong emerged as another hero in Nigeria's victory, showcasing defensive prowess and leadership at the backline.

 

The team's captain exhibited impeccable positioning, aerial prowess, and crucial clearances that thwarted Angola's attempts to breach the Nigerian defense.

 

Troost-Ekong's resilience and composure under pressure were instrumental in securing the much-needed clean sheet for his team.

 

Moses Simon 

 

Another one of the undeniable hits of the match was Moses Simon, whose dynamic presence on the field left an indelible mark. Simon's electrifying pace, precise dribbling, relentless attacking runs and finesse in tight positions not only energized the Nigerian front line but also created goal-scoring opportunities and threats from the left wing.

 

His standout performance earned him the man of the match award.

 

Flops

 

Zaidu Sanusi 

 

On the flip side, the flops of the match included Zaidu Sanusi, whose performance left much to be desired.

 

The usually reliable left-back struggled to find his footing, exhibiting lapses in attack accompanied by poor decision making.

 

Sanusi's subpar showing might be a bit of a concern, raising thoughts on the left flank's vulnerability, posing questions about his suitability in the starting lineup.

 

Semi Ajayi 

 

Bar his physical prowess, the West Brom man just wasn't at his best on the night. The center-back at some parts of the game, faced difficulties dealing with Angola's attacking threats and was caught out of position on some occasions.

 

Ajayi's performance highlighted the importance of maintaining defensive solidity, prompting discussions about potential alternatives in the backline.

 

Alex Iwobi 

 

Despite his sublime passing ability and expert control of the midfield and game tempo throughout the match, failed to adequately contribute defensively, giving the ball away cheaply in those midfield spaces occasionally.

 

Anytime the Hale End academy product lost possession, he always seemed to have a lazy approach in trying to win the ball back and showed absolutely no zeal in reclaiming possession on those few occasions where he lost hold of the ball.

 

 

Ejim Kaycee

 

 

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